Binay seeks EU backing for PH gov’t-MILF peace deal

Vice President Jejomar Binay. FILE PHOTO

Vice President Jejomar Binay called on Europe Wednesday to “extend every possible support” to the Philippine government’s efforts to finally bring peace to Mindanao following its framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Speaking before European leaders and development stalwarts in Brussels, Binay urged the international community to continue backing peace efforts of the government and MILF as he revealed that the Philippines is also pursuing talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“It is such a decisive step that we hope Europe, together with the rest of the international community, would not hesitate to extend every possible support to this initiative,” said Binay in a speech at the European Development Days (EDD).

The event is Europe’s premier international development forum that gathers world leaders annually.

In his remarks, Binay briefed his high-level audience on the framework agreement, calling it the “first step in a long and determined journey to peace and progress.”

“The establishment of a political entity known as ‘Bangsamoro’ will bring to a final and permanent close a secessionist insurgency that has cost our country so much in terms of human and material costs, and held hostage for so long the development process in a region so richly endowed with good weather, fertile soil, lush vegetation, a hard-working and enterprising people, and a wide variety of mineral resources,” said Binay.

The European Union as a bloc and European nations individually have been closely following the progress of the Philippines’ negotiations with the MILF and lauded the preliminary deal when it was announced last week.

In his Brussels speech, a copy of which was sent to Manila reporters, Binay said the Bangsamoro framework is envisioned to “transform the nation’s economic and social fabric and improve people’s lives.”

“Our earnest desire to eradicate social injustice and inequality and make human development the main driving force and central motive of our peace and reconciliation efforts with the various parties in armed conflict with the State has finally begun to bear fruit,” Binay said.

With such progress in negotiations with the MILF, Binay said the Philippines is optimistic about progress in negotiations with the CPP, which has been waging one of the world’s last few remaining communist rebellions.